Emergency rule: Fubara, family, others vacate Rivers Government House

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt, along with his family and security details.

Reports indicate that Fubara left the official residence on Wednesday morning, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats, said the extraordinary measure was necessary to restore order in the oil-rich state. 

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The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.) to oversee the state’s administration until normalcy is restored. 

The declaration of emergency rule has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some Nigerians supporting it as a necessary step to restore stability, while others see it as an overreach of executive power.

As of the time of filing this report, normal activities were ongoing in Port Harcourt and its environs.